A burn ban was set in place for all of Pontotoc County during the regular Monday morning County Commissioners’ meeting. The ban is scheduled to run until November 11th but the Commissioners may rescind or revise the ban during their next regular meeting. The ban could also be extended for another 14-days. Pontotoc County Emergency Management Director Chad Letellier said the area is in a severe drought, with Ada going 35 consecutive days with less than one/tenth- of-an-inch of rain and 57 consecutive days with less than a quarter of- an-inch of rain.

Surrounding counties under a burn ban include Hughes, Coal and Garvin.

According to the county burn ban resolution, “By virtue of this resolution, it is unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop, or other wildlands, or to build a campfire or bonfire, or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop, or other wildland fire. In addition, the use of fireworks is prohibited.”

“Any law enforcement officer in this state may enforce this resolution. Any person convicted of violating this resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.